What Happens When Someone Walks Away from Faith?

What happens when someone who once professed faith in Christ later renounces it and calls themselves an atheist?
In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Michael Easley answers one of the most difficult questions Christians face: Can you lose your salvation?
Dr. Easley walks through key passages like Ephesians 1:13, John 3:16, John 10:27–28, and Romans 8 to explain the doctrine of eternal security. He also addresses the theological divide influenced by Jacob Arminius and how different Christian traditions understand perseverance.
If you’re praying for someone who has walked away from the faith, this conversation will ground you in Scripture and give you practical clarity.
Salvation rests on Christ’s finished work — not our fluctuating faithfulness.
Chapters
00:00 – The Question: What If Someone Walks Away?
01:45 – Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
03:05 – “No One Can Snatch Them” (John 10)
04:30 – Can You Remove Yourself from God’s Hand?
05:20 – Romans 8 and the Golden Chain of Salvation
06:45 – Apathy, Sin, or Never Truly Saved?
08:00 – What Should We Do for a Prodigal Friend?
09:00 – Pray Boldly and Speak Truth
Key Topics Discussed
-Eternal security vs. losing salvation
-The sealing of the Holy Spirit
-Once saved, always saved — what it really means
-Arminian vs. Reformed perspectives
-The “golden chain” of salvation in Romans 8
-How to respond when someone renounces their faith
-Praying for prodigals
Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.
If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].